Laxmi Organic Industries Ltd., a diversified chemicals manufacturer, reiterated that its Lote manufacturing facility at the Lote Parshuram Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) operates in full compliance with Indian environmental, safety, and regulatory norms. The company confirmed that it has obtained all statutory approvals since the facility’s inception. The clarification follows allegations raised by political parties and related media reports concerning environmental practices at the site.

Company Rejects Comparisons with Italy’s Miteni Case

Laxmi categorically rejected recent media comparisons between its Lote operations and those of the former Italian chemical company Miteni S.p.A. The company described such comparisons as factually incorrect and misleading, particularly with respect to effluent treatment, waste disposal practices, and product portfolio. Notably, Miteni ceased operations in 2018 after producing PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”) for several decades, following allegations of widespread water contamination affecting nearly 350,000 people in Italy.

Zero Hazardous Effluent Discharge

India’s Regulatory Framework Prevents Such Incidents

Furthermore, Laxmi highlighted that the Miteni incident involved the direct discharge of untreated wastewater into rivers over many years, causing serious environmental and health damage. Such practices, the company noted, are strictly prohibited in India, where regulations mandate stringent environmental clearances, continuous monitoring, and strict compliance.

Closed-Loop Systems and Approved Waste Disposal

The Lote facility at Chiplun operates closed-loop manufacturing systems, which prevent the release of harmful substances into the environment. Additionally, LOIL scientifically treats and incinerates all hazardous waste and effluents by sending them to a State government-approved common hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility (CHWTSDF).

Digitally Tracked Hazardous Waste Management

Moreover, the company follows standardised hazardous waste management procedures supported by end-to-end digital traceability. Advanced safety infrastructure, high-capacity effluent treatment plants, containment measures, and impervious flooring reinforce these systems, ensuring compliance and preventing environmental impact.

Multi-Product Facility Serving Critical Industries

LOIL also clarified that the Lote site is a multi-technology, multi-product facility producing both fluorinated and non-fluorinated chemicals. These products play a critical role in semiconductors, defence, power transmission, electric vehicles, medical devices, electronics, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Commitment to Responsible Manufacturing and Transparency

Deepak Mining Solutions Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd. (DFPCL), entered into a definitive agreement to acquire hundred percent equity ownership in an explosives manufacturing company. The transaction remains subject to the fulfilment of customary conditions precedent and the successful completion of the deal.

Deal to Strengthen Explosives and Mining Solutions Portfolio

Supporting Global Expansion, Including Australia

As reported by msn.com, furthermore, the acquisition will support the export of differentiated explosive products to DMSL’s wholly owned mining services subsidiary in Australia. As a result, Deepak Mining Solutions aims to deepen its footprint across global mining markets while delivering integrated and specialised solutions to international customers.

Snowman Logistics, a player from India’s integrated temperature-controlled logistics space, has entered the chemical logistics segment with the launch of its first A-Grade dry warehouse in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. Significantly, the new facility expands the company’s service portfolio to include the storage and distribution of hazardous chemicals.

High-Capacity, Compliance-Driven Infrastructure

Located within Horizon Industrial Parks Pvt. Ltd., the Shoolagiri warehouse spans 50,000 sqft and offers a storage capacity of 5,500 metric tons through a G+5 racking system. Moreover, the facility features advanced storage and material-handling technologies, enabling efficient, safe, and scalable operations for chemical products. To reinforce safety, Snowman has installed state-of-the-art monitoring systems and comprehensive fire-protection infrastructure. These measures ensure full compliance and enhance asset protection for customers.

Strategic Shift Backed by Leadership Vision

Commenting on the development, Sunil Nair, CEO, Snowman Logistics, highlighted the company’s excitement about expanding beyond cold-chain logistics into chemicals. He emphasised that Snowman’s strong operational discipline and quality focus would translate effectively into this new sector.

Importantly, he also underscored the company’s collaboration with BDP UGL Global Logistics (I) Pvt. Ltd., a specialist in automotive and specialty chemicals. Together, the partners aim to implement global best practices and build advanced capabilities for hazardous chemical storage and distribution.

BDP Partnership Strengthens Chemical Supply Chain Compliance

From BDP’s perspective, Pavithran M. Kallada, Managing Director, BDP India, stated that the partnership seeks to raise compliance standards and strengthen contract logistics solutions across the chemical supply chain. By combining expertise, the companies aim to create a compliance-first logistics ecosystem. They are also exploring expansion opportunities across other industrial sectors.

Rapid Execution Sets New Industry Benchmark

Manish Chaturvedi, Regional Director, BDP India, pointed out that value alignment played a key role in choosing Snowman as a partner. Notably, the two companies successfully operationalised a fully compliant chemical warehouse within just 100 days, demonstrating speed, coordination, and execution excellence. This swift transition from concept to operations reinforces BDP’s commitment to delivering tangible value to chemical customers. It also lays the groundwork for future growth.

24/7 Operations with End-to-End Monitoring

The Shoolagiri facility will operate round the clock, supported by integrated transportation services and continuous monitoring throughout the logistics cycle. A dedicated operations team will oversee every stage, ensuring cargo security from dispatch through final delivery. As reported by maritimefairtrade.org, Snowman Logistics has made a strategic investment to enhance its service capabilities. The move aims to establish a strong foothold in India’s chemical logistics market.

Mitsubishi Chemical Group is taking decisive steps to strengthen its global manufacturing footprint by evaluating the establishment of a new production facility in India. The proposed plant will focus on methyl methacrylate (MMA)–based acrylic plastics, a core and strategically important product line for the company.

India Emerges as a Strategic Growth Market

The initiative forms part of Mitsubishi Chemical’s broader strategy to expand operations in high-growth markets, with India identified as a priority destination for future investments. Rapid industrialisation, rising domestic demand, and expanding downstream sectors have positioned India as a compelling hub for advanced materials manufacturing.

Clear Timeline and Phased Decision-Making

Looking ahead, Mitsubishi Chemical aims to commence production by 2030, subject to final approvals. As a critical milestone, the company plans to finalise the location of the new facility by March 2027, reflecting a structured and phased approach to project execution.

Strengthening Supply Chains and Market Responsiveness

Enhancing Competitiveness and Long-Term Sustainability

Overall, the proposed investment highlights the rising importance of South Asia in global chemical value chains. As reported by dprjuniversal.com, Mitsubishi Chemical is diversifying its manufacturing base and deepening its presence in India. This move aims to enhance competitiveness, ensure long-term sustainability, and align operations with global growth opportunities.

Several thermal power plants across India failed to meet biomass co-firing targets in FY 2024-25 not because they lacked effort, but because of persistent supply and technical challenges.

Industry Faces Real Supply Constraints

The Association of Power Producers (APP) stated that many generators struggled to secure sufficient biomass, particularly torrefied biomass pellets, which are required for co-firing in plants equipped with ball and tube mills. Consequently, limited availability and underdeveloped pellet markets hindered compliance with renewable blending norms. Furthermore, plants encountered high rejection rates due to moisture and other quality issues, and they lacked OEM-validated technical solutions to consistently burn biomass with coal. 

Regulatory Action Triggered by Shortfall

As a result of these shortfalls, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently issued show-cause notices to six coal-based power stations located within 300 km of Delhi. The regulator has proposed environmental compensation totalling ₹61.85 crore for failing to achieve minimum biomass blending percentages during FY25. 

As per Economic Times, APP emphasised that these shortfalls reflect market immaturity rather than lack of intent by plant operators. 

Examples Show Progress and Challenges

APP highlighted the case of Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL) in Punjab, which initially struggled to procure enough torrefied pellets despite issuing multiple tenders in FY25. In response, the plant supported local partners to establish a biomass pellet manufacturing facility near its Mansa site. Consequently, its co-firing performance improved significantly — rising from low levels in FY25 to over 5 % year-to-date by November 30, 2025. 

Industry Urges Policy Flexibility

Finally, APP urged policymakers to consider relaxations or waivers for generators that faced genuine supply and operational constraints. It argued that penalising plants for circumstances beyond their control could cause unnecessary financial stress without meaningfully accelerating biomass adoption. 

Hindustan National Glass & Industries Limited (HNGIL), India’s largest container glass manufacturer, has appointed Rakesh Mehta as Chief Operating Officer (COO) — North, effective immediately. As per APN News, the announcement came on December 27, 2025, marking a key leadership development for the company in a pivotal phase of growth. 

Strategic Move Following INSCO Acquisition

This leadership change follows HNGIL’s acquisition by Independent Sugar Corporation Limited (INSCO), a member of the Uganda-based Madhvani Group, which completed its takeover in September 2025. The appointment reflects the company’s renewed focus on operational excellence and market expansion across northern India after the acquisition. 

Mehta to Drive Operational Growth in North India

In his new role, Rakesh Mehta will oversee multiple manufacturing and operational facilities spread across the northern region. He will lead initiatives to optimize supply chains, boost production efficiency, and broaden HNGIL’s reach among key clients in pharmaceuticals, liquor, beverages, and food sectors. 

Experienced Leader with Proven Track Record

Mehta brings more than two decades of experience spanning finance, commercial operations, contracting, and regional leadership. Prior to joining HNGIL, he served as Finance Head – North at Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. from 2013, and also held senior leadership roles at Reliance Retail, where he managed large-scale distribution, logistics, and operations across Gurugram and northern markets. 

Company and Leadership Comments

HNGIL’s Chief Strategy & Corporate Affairs Officer, Suraj Mehta, said the company welcomes Rakesh Mehta at this transformative stage and expects his strategic insights to strengthen northern operations. Meanwhile, Rakesh Mehta expressed his enthusiasm about driving growth, innovation, and operational efficiency, emphasizing his commitment to delivering world-class glass packaging solutions. 

The Mosaic Company has agreed to sell Mosaic Potash Carlsbad, Inc., which includes the operations, assets and liabilities of its potash mine in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to International Minerals Carlsbad, LLC for $30 million. The company made this announcement in a press release on December 22, 2025. As per Mosaicco press release, the deal marks a strategic step toward optimizing Mosaic’s portfolio. 

Terms of the Agreement

Under the definitive agreement, International Minerals Carlsbad will pay an initial $20 million in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments. Additionally, the buyer will pay $10 million in deferred cash, scheduled over three equal annual installments beginning in 2029. This structured payment ensures a steady transition for both parties. 

Moreover, International Minerals Carlsbad will assume responsibility for asset retirement obligations tied to the Carlsbad operations. Mosaic expects to close the transaction in the first half of 2026, while also recording a non-cash asset impairment in the fourth quarter of 2025. 

Transfer of Business and Intellectual Property

After closing, International Minerals Carlsbad will take over Mosaic’s potash and water business in New Mexico. The sale also transfers related intellectual property, including the well-established K-Mag and Dynamate brands, which have significant recognition in the agriculture sector. 

Executives Comment on the Transaction

Mosaic’s Executive Vice President of Operations, Karen Swager, said the deal benefits all parties and will provide continuity for employees on site. Ms. Swager highlighted that Mosaic is sharpening its focus on “core assets,” especially its potash production in Saskatchewan, Canada, where it expects to continue generating strong returns. 

Likewise, Sergio Saenz, CEO of International Minerals Carlsbad, described the acquisition as an exciting opportunity to build on more than 100 years of potash industry history in New Mexico. The buyer committed to ensuring a smooth transition for employees, customers and suppliers. 

Strategic Implications for Mosaic

This sale aligns with Mosaic’s broader strategy to streamline its operations and concentrate on high-return assets. By divesting the Carlsbad site, the company reinforces its focus on core potash regions, particularly in Canada, while enabling the buyer to expand its footprint in the U.S. potash market.

VA Tech WABAG Ltd (WABAG) has secured a key role in the Hadda Independent Sewage Treatment Plant (ISTP) project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The company will act as the preferred Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) partner under a consortium selected by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC). 

Consortium Wins Preferred Bidder Status

A developer consortium — comprising Metito Utilities Limited, Etihad Water and Electricity Company PJSC, and SkyBridge Limited Company — has been declared the preferred bidder by SWPC for the Hadda ISTP project. Consequently, WABAG will take the lead on design, engineering, procurement and construction works as the EPC partner. 

Project Overview and Scope

The Hadda ISTP project will be built under a 25-year Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. Initially, the sewage treatment plant will handle 100,000 m³/day, with provisions to expand capacity to 250,000 m³/day as demand grows. In addition, the project includes:

• An advanced treated sewage effluent (TSE) reuse system
• A large storage tank
• A 38-kilometre transmission pipeline with a throughput capacity of 350,000 m³/day 

Moreover, As per Saudi Gulf Projects, these components form the core infrastructure that WABAG and the consortium will deliver under their EPC agreement. 

At present, officials have not yet announced the official start date, which will follow financial closure and execution of concession agreements by the consortium. 

Company’s Response and Future Outlook

Commenting on the selection, Mr. Rohan Mittal, Head of Strategy and Business Growth — GCC at WABAG, said the company feels both honoured and responsible to participate in a project of such strategic importance. He also highlighted that this development reinforces the company’s strong regional presence and growing partnerships within Saudi Arabia.